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It's not the starting to ride that hurts a young one, it's the intensity of the work. If the work is light and fun for the horse, it ain't gonna ruin one.

Frank has always started his young horses by two....especially a colt that was to stay a stallion. He does NOT drill on them or work them hard. I rode a lot of young horses for him a long time ago....most didn't even break a sweat with the "work" they do...but they do learn the basics and about having a job. Most of these horses thrive on it and became very good sport horses with long careers (horses that I knew are old horses now). Look at the LONG career that Gem had as a prime example of a horse that came up through Frank's program.

Lovely looking colt....I think it would be VERY cool if Laura got to take him to the highest levels. And I might have the perfect mare for him in the near future.....depending on how much it costs to breed to him.

** The difference between genius and stupidity is genius has its limits. -- Albert Einstein **

Kinsella, I think they meant a mistake because of the loss of Oki Doki's genetics to the breeding world.

Although in GT's case...I think he had a full sister who had a stallion son (who is still standing I believe). And GT's sire had Good News Joe who stood at stud for a very long time. So the genetics are out there....and known. But I still think Gemini is a very nice looking horse and will be interested to see what he produces.

** The difference between genius and stupidity is genius has its limits. -- Albert Einstein **

I guess I am just a bit more tolerant of boy behavior than some folks as I have owned stallions of all ages for many years. So I'm still very interested in his breeding endeavors. Do you know anything about that?

I couldn't say for sure the breeding plans beyond the intent to do exactly that. I'm hoping it will not be outrageously priced, I think the jumper world could use an infusion of Twist. I've ridden quite a few and they are SO much fun.

He stands in PA I believe.....and has offspring in NZ. No Cool Twist wasn't Gem Twist....but same sire and dam

I understand that. The mare was at my barn for a number of years and while a decent 3'6 horse, she was not particularly scopey and was a challenging ride. Apart from the pedigree, which I agree is interesting, it is not a mare I would rush to breed, that is all.

Years ago PH had an article on Greg Best in which he described riding at least 2 sisters of Gem Twist before starting to ride Gem himself. He did describe them as not having top scope and being spooky.

Is Gem Twist considered to be more talented than his sire? I had an impression that he was, just because he was so spectacular on course.

Wouldn't it be more than just interesting if they were to find a tail female Bonne Cause TB mare and bring her back to him for a test breeding? I know there are some out there racing in the West. The mind boggles at the possibilities.

I believe Good Twist was also a GP horse for Mr. Chapot and apparently was a sire as well. I would love to know more about the temperments and details about the relatives throughout the pedigrees. If one is breeding, those are the things that are important. Would love to see Gemini Twist excel in sport and in the breeding shed.
PennyG

^ that's what I was going to ask. I hope so- he appeared to be a great owner for GT for many many years.

And the poster Isabeau Z Solace I don't think know's what she (he?) is talking about. S/he has illuded to knowing a lot of weird insider Chapot info, but from her website doesn't appear to have ridden or worked for them. Plus it looks like she is too young to have actually known GT as a stallion. She's what 35 maybe, and he would have been 26?

My trainer is friends with Laura C and Laura says he is a doll.

When the boogeyman goes to sleep, he checks the closet for George Morris.-mpsbarnmanager

He stands in PA I believe.....and has offspring in NZ. No Cool Twist wasn't Gem Twist....but same sire and dam

Cool Twist has produced three 1.50 offspring - Invitational, Journalistic Gem and Knock Wood. Knock Wood is producing well. His sire's dam is also dam of Quick Star and she herself competed with Nelson Pessoa. A lot to like in this horse on both sides of the house.

Another " Twist" horse is Last News via his sire line. Also 1.50 jumper who is producing so it's exciting to see what Gemini Twist develops into.

Also interested in updates regarding Gemini. Last night I read the latest Coth mag article about him (1/31/11 issue) which showed just one photo of him - the one where Laura Capot is riding him at the walk - coming out of the barn. This is one of the only two photos I have ever seen of him. Are there more? Of course he is very pretty in the photo and looks like he has/will have powerful hindquarters. Would love to see more confo shots of him. Conformation-wise I wonder how he compares to Gem Twist at the same age. Is he considered (as ) correct in regards to legs, hooves, shoulder, etc? Has be bred any mares as of yet? Any news whatsoever? After reading the article I want to know more about him.

Also interested in updates regarding Gemini. Last night I read the latest Coth mag article about him (1/31/11 issue) which showed just one photo of him - the one where Laura Capot is riding him at the walk - coming out of the barn. This is one of the only two photos I have ever seen of him. Are there more? Of course he is very pretty in the photo and looks like he has/will have powerful hindquarters. Would love to see more confo shots of him. Conformation-wise I wonder how he compares to Gem Twist at the same age. Is he considered (as ) correct in regards to legs, hooves, shoulder, etc? Has be bred any mares as of yet? Any news whatsoever? After reading the article I want to know more about him.